Pretty as a Picture

By Amy Spiezio

Photography by
Peter Baker

Styling by
Meredith Gray

Makeup by
Leslie Atiles

Hair by
Michael Burgess

Models:
Cara Roberts and Deborah Fenker, Johnston Agency; Kathleen

floral findings

A metal bower of flowers in Nodoka style ND10152 from Charmant

Spring styles with textures, patterns, and rich depths of color paint a rosy outlook for eyewear. The fashion style for spring is decidedly feminine with unique details and depth that make each piece a work of art. From sculpted temples to architecturally structured frame fronts, there's a masterpiece out there for everyone.

Some of the major trends to look out for this spring include:

FLORAL MOTIFS: Etched, molded, or attached flowers, blooms, and blossoms enhance frames with a touch of natural beauty.

BRIGHT INTERIORS: The color palette of creams, pinks, whites, early green, and pale or popping blues line frames, creating a brightening effect on the skin for a more lively and youthful appearance.

RETRO INFLUENCES: Design influences from modified cat-eyes to keyhole bridges are on the rise as retro looks from the '20s through the '80s are updated for modern looks with classic appeal.

TORTOISE: Carving a new chapter for its story in optical history, the evergreen favorite, tortoise, is experiencing a renaissance. The sheer variety of tortoise colors and patterns is expanding at jack rabbit speeds.

UNIVERSAL UNIQUE. Like art patrons of days gone by seeking a portrait from the artists they supported, consumers are turning to their eyecare professionals seeking eyewear made just for them. Call it Me Generation demand or Gen Y rebellion. Any way you slice it, eyewear consumers are seeking something that gives them a special feel and helps them to define their uniqueness.

On the following pages, we provide a gallery of the styles on exhibition this season. FB

light from within
The creamy interior of this Bevel Spectacles style, Small Blind 8583, projects a flattering reflection onto the skin of the face

purple passion An abstract floral highlights these dark purple frames from Prodesign Denmark, style 5608	lipstick red Reflecting the warmth of the season, spring frames get a touch of heat with layers of red. Revlon Style RV559 by Altair	organic green Minty green and white detail work provide a respite from the severity of a pure black frame. Paul Frank style The Sweets from Baum Vision

seaworthy tortiose
Rich textures inspired by the many varieties of tortoise—and the imagination—take a classic to the next level. Beausoleil style 346-238

SALES: Gallery Guide

Artist and author Carole Katchen's recent work, Promoting and Selling Your Art, can serve as an inspiration for optical retailers. Consider the optical equivalent for these art-selling how-to tips:

■ Build your reputation as a professional artist. Image and presentation are critical in establishing yourself as a creative resource.

■ Price your work for maximum profit. Price your work for the highest profit and to maintain your art's market value.?

■ Feed and care for collectors. The collector is the artist's best friend. Turn collectors into loyal fans and your art is sold even before you have created it.?

■ Organize and execute successful exhibitions. Plan, promote, and attract the right people to your space to make sales and build success.?

■ Get attention from the media. Getting your art in print helps to build both your reputation and future sales.?

check it out
Geometric patterns and rich coloration combine for an optical spring fling. Alain Mikli style A080912

SCRIPTING: Art lingo

Tired of calling frames pretty, striking, or cool? Try adding artistic references into your selling scripts. Look at frame styles and relate appropriate terms to each model. Add thinkquest.com's definitions for the following schools of art to your frame vocabulary.

ABSTRACT: Paintings do not have to show only recognizable figures or figures as they appear in the real world. Instead, color and shape express emotions.

CUBISM: One of the first abstract groupings, cubism is modern art that uses geometric shapes to express concepts and feelings.

EXPRESSIONISM: Rather than a perfect realistic reproduction, expressionist works capture a feeling in situation.

FAUVISM: For fans of Henri Matisse, fauvism, meaning "wild beasts" in French, is the way to go. These works feature simple subjects in bright and unusual colors.

IMPRESSIONISM: Painted as if someone just took a quick look at the subject of the painting and drew from that impression, these works often seem to shimmer.

POINTILLISM: Small dots or strokes of paint make up the pictures. From far away, these dots blend together to form the picture and give the impression of different colors as they blend together.

POP ART. An every day item drawn in a brash and colorful way. Inspired by comic strips, advertising, and popular entertainment.

PRIMITIVE ART. Simple, flat, or two-dimensional images with an almost childlike appearance.

REALISM. Art that shows things exactly as they appear in life.

SURREALISM. Paintings generally based on dream. Familiar objects which were painted to look strange or mysterious.

metalic mix
A whimsical metal wave on an acetate temple creates a light-hearted element on a sophisticated frame. Cynthia Rowley style CR0248 from Kenmark